KONICA AUTOREFLEX T
The Konica Autoreflex T came out in 1968. It was the world's first through-the-lens (TTL) metered auto-exposure 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera with a fully mechanical shutter and an aperture-priority automatic exposure system. It paired precision metering with simple automation and kept full manual control.
Overview
The Autoreflex T arrived while makers were moving from external light meters and manual exposure settings to built-in metering. Released in 1968, it was the first SLR to offer true TTL (through-the-lens) aperture-priority autoexposure, a feature that would become standard in later decades. Earlier "semi-automatic" SLRs needed stop-down metering or external meter coupling. The Autoreflex T used a silicon photodiode cell behind a semi-transparent pellicle mirror segment to measure light reflected off the main mirror. That gave real-time, open-aperture TTL metering. The photographer could compose and focus at full aperture and still get an accurate exposure reading without stopping down.
Konica aimed the Autoreflex T at serious amateurs and professionals. It had a vertically traveling, focal-plane cloth shutter with speeds from 1 second to 1/1000 second, plus B and X-sync at 1/60 second. The camera used Konica's proprietary AR bayonet mount, which took the Hexanon series of lenses, known for sharpness and build quality. It also kept full mechanical function without batteries, so the shutter worked at all speeds when powered solely by mechanical means.
The Autoreflex T was a pivotal model as Konica moved from rangefinder and basic SLR systems to a modern, integrated SLR platform. It succeeded the original Autoreflex and preceded the Autoreflex T2, T3, and later TC models, a lineage that defined Konica's SLR offerings through the 1970s. It helped solidify Konica's reputation as a serious contender in the global SLR market, particularly in Japan and Europe.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Type | 35mm Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) |
| Film Format | 35mm (135 film) |
| Years Produced | 1968–1974 |
| Lens Mount | Konica AR Bayonet Mount |
| Shutter | Vertically-traveling focal-plane cloth shutter; 1 sec – 1/1000 sec, B, X-sync at 1/60 sec |
| Metering | TTL (through-the-lens) open-aperture metering using silicon photodiode |
| Exposure Modes | Aperture-priority autoexposure, manual exposure |
| Viewfinder | Fixed pentaprism eye-level viewfinder with microprism collar and split-image rangefinder spot; 92% coverage, 0.9x magnification |
| Dimensions | 140 mm (W) × 90 mm (H) × 55 mm (D); approx. 670 g (body only, no battery) |
Key Features
- World’s first TTL aperture-priority autoexposure SLR, enabling accurate exposure readings through the lens without stopping down.
- Open-aperture metering via a semi-transparent pellicle mirror segment, allowing continuous bright viewing and focusing.
- Dual exposure modes: aperture-priority AE and full manual control, with mechanical shutter backup.
- Konica AR bayonet mount for fast, secure lens attachment and compatibility with Hexanon lenses.
- Silicon photodiode metering cell offering improved sensitivity and longevity over earlier CdS cells.
Historical Context
When the Autoreflex T appeared, SLRs were evolving from mechanical tools into electronically assisted imaging systems. Before 1968, TTL metering existed in rudimentary forms - most notably in the Topcon RE Super (1963) and the Pentax Spotmatic (1964) - but these relied on stop-down metering. That darkened the viewfinder and made the photographer close the lens aperture by hand before taking a reading. The Autoreflex T got around this with a fixed, semi-transparent mirror segment that sent a portion of the incoming light to a silicon photodiode, which allowed continuous open-aperture metering. The viewfinder stayed bright while the meter gave real-time exposure feedback.
Konica's achievement was competitive as well as technical. Japanese SLR dominance was being contested by Nikon, Canon, Pentax, and Minolta. Nikon emphasized mechanical reliability with the F-series, and Canon was experimenting with electronic shutters. Konica carved a niche with intelligent automation that kept its mechanical integrity. The Autoreflex T predated Minolta's SR-T series (1966) with CLC metering and was years ahead of Canon's AE-1 (1976) or Nikon's Nikkormat EL (1972), which later adopted similar AE principles. It did not reach the same global market penetration as its rivals, partly because of Konica's weaker international distribution network and branding compared to Canon or Nikon.
Collectibility & Value
Today the Konica Autoreflex T is regarded as a historically significant camera and a prized item among collectors of vintage SLRs, particularly those interested in the evolution of autoexposure. Units in excellent working condition typically sell for $200 - $400 USD, depending on shutter function, lens inclusion, and cosmetic state. Cameras paired with fast Hexanon lenses (such as the 52mm f/1.4 or 57mm f/1.2) command higher prices, especially if the lens coatings are intact and the glass is free of haze or fungus.
Anyone buying an Autoreflex T should check the meter system first. It relies on two PX625 (1.35V mercury) batteries or modern equivalents (with voltage adjustment). Many units have degraded meter circuits or corroded battery compartments from old mercury batteries leaking. Test the shutter at all speeds, because the mechanical linkage can stiffen over time. The pellicle mirror segment - though fixed and not prone to movement - is sensitive to moisture and cleaning attempts. Improper handling can cause delamination or reflectivity loss. The camera is relatively durable, but its electronic components are aging, so working examples are increasingly rare.
Similar Cameras
- Pentax Spotmatic (1964) – Early TTL metering via stop-down CdS cell; manual exposure only.
- Minolta SR-T 101 (1966) – CLC dual-cell TTL metering with stop-down automation; fully mechanical.
- Topcon RE Super (1963) – One of the first with TTL metering, but required stop-down operation.
- Canon FX (1964) – Early Canon SLR with TTL meter, but not autoexposure.
- Nikkormat EL (1972) – Nikon’s first aperture-priority AE SLR, using a Copal Square shutter.
Repair & Maintenance
The Konica Autoreflex T uses two PX625 1.35V mercury batteries (or modern zinc-air or alkaline equivalents with exposure compensation) to power its TTL metering circuit. Mercury cells are obsolete, so users often substitute 1.5V alkaline batteries, which can lead to overexposure unless compensated by -0.15 EV. The meter circuit is sensitive and may need recalibration if readings are inconsistent. Common problems are sticky shutters (especially at 1/30-1/125 sec), worn shutter curtains, and degraded foam light seals. The mechanical shutter still works without batteries, so manual shooting at all speeds is possible. Repair difficulty is moderate. Experienced technicians can service the shutter mechanism, but the integrated meter electronics are fragile and not easily replaced. Regular CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust) servicing is recommended for regular use.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.